“Why should you not eat of that over which Allah’s name has been mentioned, when He has already detailed for you what He has forbidden you, except what you are compelled to eat? Indeed, many mislead others through their desires, without knowledge. Surely your Lord knows the transgressors best.”
That is, what could prevent them from eating that over which Allah’s name has been mentioned, when Allah has detailed, explained, and clarified to His servants what He has forbidden them? No uncertainty or doubt therefore remains that would require one to refrain from eating some lawful things out of fear of falling into what is forbidden. This noble verse indicates that the basic rule concerning things and foods is that they are permissible. If the revealed law has not declared something forbidden, it remains permissible. Whatever Allah has left unmentioned is lawful, for Allah has detailed what is forbidden; whatever He has not detailed is therefore not forbidden.
Moreover, even the forbidden things that Allah has detailed and clarified become permissible in cases of necessity and severe hunger. Allah Most High says: “Forbidden to you are carrion, blood, and the flesh of swine,” until He says: “But whoever is compelled by severe hunger, with no inclination toward sin—then surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
He then warned against many people, saying: “Indeed, many mislead others through their desires”—that is, merely according to what their souls desire—“without knowledge” or proof. The servant must therefore beware of such people. Their distinguishing mark—as Allah has described them to His servants—is that their call is not founded upon demonstrative proof, nor do they possess any evidence from the revealed law. They have only specious arguments shaped by their corrupt desires and deficient opinions. Such people transgress against Allah’s law and against Allah’s servants, and Allah does not love the transgressors. This is in contrast to those who are rightly guided and guide others: they call to truth and guidance, support their call with rational and revealed proofs, and seek through their call nothing but their Lord’s pleasure and nearness to Him.